Girls Lakers sweep J-E, lock up league title

Skaneateles senior runners honored at last home race

It was the final goodbye for the seniors on the Skaneateles girls cross country team after their 15-50, league-clinching win at the Polo Grounds over Jordan-Elbridge on Wednesday afternoon. Honored were, from left: Madeline Adams, Morel Malcolm, Maria Schillace, Alex Clark and Virginia Hamlin.

Skaneateles  The mission, as the Skaneateles cross country girls lined up against archrival Jordan-Elbridge Wednesday afternoon, was simple - win, and grab another OHSL Liberty division title.

It didn’t take long to predict the near-term future as the Lakers, the number 2-ranked Class C team in the state, roared from the starting line in a move that surprised the athletes themselves with one Skaneateles runner exclaiming that she was surprised by the speed they attained at the start.

“It was crazy!” she roared a few moments after the win.

With the 15-50 victory over J-E, Skaneateles won its second consecutive league title and their 17th during the last 21 years dating back to 1993, when these girls weren’t even born.

Leading the way was the tandem of Liz Dwyer and Kaitlyn Neal, who finished simultaneously while being awarded the first and second places in the race. Dwyer matched her time from an earlier race in 19:39, while Neal (still the top-ranked Class C runner in the state)was clocked in 19:40.

Right behind them, in 20:02 was perhaps the most complete leader the Skaneateles team has ever experienced. Senior Madeline Adams, along with four other classmates, finished her final home meet with a strong time of 20:02 as she continues to battle back from a summer setback.

“Madeline is as complete as any athlete can possibly be,” said coach Jack Reed. “Nothing gets past her, no matter how minute or inconsequential it may seem at the time.

“She’s thorough, she’s driven, she can ruffle feathers, and the girl leaves nothing to chance. When all is said and done, she’s a winner.”

Elsa Soderberg ran yet another strong race as the rising junior star took fourth in 20:21 on the 3.03-mile course at the Polo Grounds on Andrews Road.

Freshman Julia Willcox improved on her time from just two weeks ago by 36 seconds on a course that was wet and slow. She crossed the finish line in fifth place with a clocking of 20:30.